B Capital appoints Arijit Sengupta as new operating partner

B CAPITAL Group on Monday announced that Arijit Sengupta has joined its ranks as operating partner and will help the global venture capital firm lead its portfolio in Asia.

Mr Sengupta will offer guidance in areas such as strategy and operations, business development, sales and capital formation to portfolio companies, said B Capital in a statement.

The firm, founded by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and former Bain executive Raj Ganguly, has a portfolio of nearly 30 companies in Asia, Europe and the US. Its South-east Asia startups include online car marketplace Carro, logistics provider Ninja Van, and Indonesian coffee chain Kopi Kenangan.

The former founder and entrepreneur has helped start and grow several technology companies, including WNS Global Services, Mu Sigma, and Goldman Sachs' Antuit and Daksh (which was acquired by IBM). He has also held senior leadership positions at established companies like IBM and Accenture.

"At a time when partnerships are crucial to scaling a growing business, Mr Sengupta will be instrumental in identifying key corporates seeking to broaden innovation by working with startups through his own network as well as B Capital's partnership with The Boston Consulting Group," B Capital said in the statement.

There has never been a more challenging period for founders pursuing big goals as adverse circumstances, capital scarcity and lack of guidance and mentorship threaten their pathways to growth, said B Capital's managing partner and co-founder Raj Ganguly.

"I am sure that his (Mr Sengupta's) leadership and experience will be instrumental to B Capital as we double down on our commitment to adding as much value as possible beyond our investment," he said.

Mr Sengupta said: "B Capital is exceptional at finding and investing in truly cutting-edge innovations, and as a former founder and operator, I am thrilled to help our portfolio companies grow, identify new partners, and become the market leaders of tomorrow."